Device for disentangling entangled components

ABSTRACT

In many branches of industry large quantities of small items (e.g., wire components) or assembly components are frequently required, which have a strong tendency towards entangling and which conglomerate in a pile. These components, termed entangled components, can be isolated only with great difficulty when required for processing. This invention provides a device for isolating such entangled components with relative ease. For this purpose, a horizontal disentangling plate (1) is provided on which the entangled components (7) are placed. A vibrating device (2) shakes the disentangling plate (1) in a reciprocal motion in vertical direction, thus enabling the entangled components (7) to become isolated.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention concerns a device for disentangling entangled components.

BACKGROUND ART

Large quantities of small items or components are very frequently usedin processing and production plants. These may be wire components suchas C-shaped snap rings, hook-shaped components, etc. It is known thatthey have a strong tendency towards entanglement and that they easilypile up in a cluster. Therefore, such components are generally termedtangled components (Guideline 3237 of the Association of GermanEngineers; Design of Finished Components with Regard to AutomaticFeeding, Finishing and Assembling, page 1, Dusseldorf 1967).

As experience has shown, the isolating process of such tangledcomponents is rather difficult. The attempt to remove individualcomponents from the pile regularly results in the removal of a wholebunch of components which may consist of several hundred, usually verylight-weight items. Owing to the fact that the items usually are jammed,hooked up or magnetic, the bunch is held together. An operator spends agreat deal of time isolating tangled components for processing.

Automatic disentangling devices for isolating entangled components havebeen publicized by the magazine f+h-fordern und heben 27, (1977), issue10, technical section mht, pp. 82-86, particularly picture 10 and 11 onpage 85. At the so-called "brush-type discharge bin" the entangledcomponents are dropped into a box-type funnel-shaped bin. A dischargeoutlet is situated at the bottom of the funnel-shaped bin, in which acylinder-shaped revolving brush has been installed. By means of a drivethe brush oscillates at an adjustable cycle and at a determinable angle.Owing to the bristles the pile is tossed to and fro, disentangled, andthen discharged from the bin by means of the brush. In this case thedisentangling process is effected partially by the impact on the binwall, and partially due to the shearing effect of the brush (pile isbeing pulled apart).

Furthermore, the known "drum-type disentangler" consists of anunilaterally enclosed drum rotating a constant speed and which pushesthe pile up via the lateral ribs and discharges it at the drum's center.During this process several components loosen; they then may fallthrough a support cross attached to one side of the drum, preventing thepile from dropping out.

However, the known disentangling devices are relatively susceptible tofault and may not always operate with optimal efficiency. Theyfrequently tend to jam the "brush-type discharge bin." Frequently only asmall bunch consisting of several entangled components loosens from thepile. When this small bunch is grabbed by the cylindrical brush, so asto be ejected through the outlet situated at the bottom of the bin, itmay jam between the brush and edge of the outlet. Then the machine mustbe switched off, and the operator has to remove the jammed bunch fromabove. This is rather complicated because, in order to clear the outlet,the entire top of the pile has to be removed from the bin. The knowndevice is therefore less advantageous.

On the other hand, if the above-mentioned bunch has nevertheless beenejected by the brush, one is faced with the disadvantage that thecomponents are not entirely isolated. This fault must be correctedmanually, or the bunch has to be returned to the bin.

Re-entanglement can be considered a further disadvantage. This meansthat, due to impact on the walls of the bin, disentangled componentsbecome re-entangled. It has been proved that known devices have a highdegree of re-entanglement, which obviously is a negative aspect of thedisentangling process as a whole.

Furthermore, the known disentangling devices are hardly flexible as theyare only suitable for very few and specific types of components that areto be isolated. This is so partly because of the given dimension of thebin, and partly because of the given brush format. In order todisentangle components of varying sizes, devices of varying dimensionsare required.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The task of this invention is based on a device for disentanglingentangled components which is distinguished for its low susceptibilityto fault and its nonjam and low re-entanglement characteristics. Thedevice should at the same time be of simple structure and greatflexibility, so as to be suitable for disentangling a large variety ofcomponents and items.

To meet this task, the device has a horizontally arranged disentanglingplate on which the entangled items are placed and which is coupled to avibrating device so as to move the plate reciprocally in verticaldirection.

In this invention the disentangling process is effected by a reciprocalshaking motion in vertical direction. The device has a simple design,operates extremely trouble-free, and is easy to handle. A variety ofcomponents for disentanglement may be placed on the plate, thus allowingfor greater flexibility. According to the invention, the device islargely free from re-entanglement. The impact coefficient of the pilecaused by the reciprocating motion of the plate is "more cushioned" thanthat of the loosened components. Thus, the loosened components easilydrift off the plate, whereas the pile remains. Tests have shown thatthis device virtually no longer shows any re-entanglement, particularlywhen, within the framework of an advantageous development of thisinvention, the surface of the disentangling plate is equipped with anumber of vertically arranged pins.

The disentangling plate may have a functional flat design and bearranged in a sloped position, and a conveyor system may be attached tothe sloped side of the plate. Isolated components may be conveyed to thedestination by means of the conveyor system, i.e., a conveyor belt.

Furthermore, it is practical to attach a vertically upright side panelto the edge of the disentangling plate in such a way that one sectionremains without side panel so that the isolated components may emergefrom this section.

A particularly advantageous development of the invention is thatlaterally adjacent to the plate a bin in the form of a storage unit isprovided so as to accommodate the entangled components, and that the binis situated on a conveyor so that the tangled components may be conveyedfrom the bin on the plate. Thus, a so-called storage zone is created(i.e., the bin in which the tangled components are stored), as well as aseparate disentangling zone (the area of the disentangling plate). Thedevice particularly benefits from separating the storage anddisentangling zones. The aforementioned known "brush-type discharge bin"pushes the storage zone, i.e., the content of the bin within the pile,onto the sensitive disentangling zone, that is, onto the brush. Due tothe relatively great weight, the disentangling process will be impaired.On the contrary, when clearing faults, the unit has to be switched off,and the entire pile must be removed in order to have access from above.This invention eliminates all these disadvantages, because the storagezone and disentangling zone are represented as two separate areas. Thus,the entangled and the isolated components which are to be ejected becomeindependent entities. The entangled components stored in the storagezone have no influence on the disentangling process, thus creating aquasi-stationary disentangling process. Furthermore, a particularlyeasy-to-handle and accessible device has been created.

In another advantageous development it is provided that the plate isdesigned in the form of a flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is drivenfrom below by means of a striking device and thus effects the reciprocalmotion in vertical direction. Again, the entangled components may beconveyed from the bib onto the diaphragm.

However, in practice the isolation of entangled components alone is notalways adequate, and it may be desirous to convey components in specificquantities and at specific operating speeds successively to processingareas. It has become generally known that for this particular purpose("Verkettungseinrichtungen in der Fertigungstechnik" published by CarlHansen Verlag, Munich, 1971, pp. 75 and 125; "Mechanized Assembly" by G.Boothroyd and A. H. Redford, McGraw-Hill, London, 1968, pp. 23 and 81)so-called helical bins--also known as vibrating helical conveyors--areused as feeders. Such vibrating helical conveyors consist of acup-shaped oscillating cask fitted with an oscillating plate, from whoseinternal wall a circular conveyor in the form of a helix is extended.Components which are supposed to be available in succession are placedon the oscillating plate. The drive of the vibrating feeder conveys thecomponents which are to be arranged on a circular conveyor from theoscillating plate to an outlet at the upper extremity of the cask. Thecomponents may then either be fed to the processing area or stored inmagazines.

Although vibrating helical conveyors as such are an advantage, they canonly accommodate components which, owing to their geometrical shape, donot tend to entangle, or which have already been disentangled by aseparate disentangler. Therefore, it is not possible to place a pile oftangled components into the vibrating helical conveyor in order toremove them in an order of sequence from the end of the helix. Only inexceptional cases, when dealing with components which can easily beisolated, will the vibratory movement of the vibrating helical conveyorisolate such components.

Therefore, a particularly practical aspect of the invention providesthat the disentangling plate is arranged at the lower end of theoscillating cask of the vibrating helical conveyor and that it forms theinner part of the conveyor's oscillating plate, and that the vibratorydrive of the conveyor and the vibrating device technically are separatedfrom one another, so that the disentangling plate and the oscillatingcask move independently.

It thus is a combination of the disentangling device and the vibratinghelical conveyor. The inner part of the conveyor's oscillating plate isvirtually replaced by the disentangling plate from where the isolatedcomponents drop onto the remaining bottom area of the oscillating cask,and are then fed to the top by means of the helix. In order to avoidinterference on both sides of the drive, the oscillatory drive of thevibrating helical conveyor and the vibrating device at the disentanglingplate are technically separated from one another, so that the plate andthe cask may move independently from one another. Thus, a new device iscreated, allowing the components entangled in a pile to be isolated sothat they may be fed in continuous sequence to a processing area orstored in a magazine.

The invention in its functional design is such that the receiving area,which forms the beginning of the helices of the vibrating helicalconveyor, grips under the external edge of the disentangling plate sothat the isolated components will safely drop into the receiving area.Furthermore, it is provided that the extreme edge of the disentanglingplate is fitted with a side panel so that the helix rising from thereceiving area is situated at about the same height as the extreme edge,thus preventing components from dropping from the plate onto the risinghelix. In order to enable the helical track to extend perfectly at theinside wall of the oscillating cask, the disentangling plate is fittedwith a suitable recess where the helix "passes" the plate, so that thedisentangling plate is free to move without touching the helix.

In practice it often is desirable that the individual components notonly have a continuous order of sequence, but also have a specificalignment or position to be fed to a processing area or stored in amagazine. From the aforementioned state of technology it is generallyknown that for this purpose the path of conveyance, i.e., the helix ofthe vibrating helical conveyor, is equipped with so-called alignmentaids.

The alignment aids enable the components to leave the helix at the upperextremity of the oscillating cask if they are arranged in a specific anddefined alignment. Components which are not thus aligned are forceably"pushed down" from the helix by means of the alignment aid.Recirculating devices are provided for helices equipped with suchalignment aids, thus enabling the pushed-down components to fall ontothe disentangling plate rather than onto the lower helical path.

A functional aspect of the invention provides that the oscillating caskof the vibrating helical plate is tapered toward the top in such a waythat the components pushed down by the alignment aids fall from thehelix onto the disentangling plate as desired. A further advantageousdevelopment of the invention provides a recirculating funnel with a wallinclined toward the bottom which is situated above the disentanglingplate as well as funnel outlet, whereby the recirculating funnel isattached to the bottom of the upper helical path containing thealignment aid, and extends below the helix. This ensures that thecomponents pushed down by the alignment aids will fall from the helixvia recirculating funnels onto the disentangling plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention will be explained more clearly by meansof the structural features illustrated in the drawing:

FIG. 1 general description of the invented device in the form of a sideelevation,

FIG. 2 simplified side elevation of a different design,

FIG. 3 perspective of a disentangling plate equipped with pins and sidepanels (also termed "nail board disentangler),

FIG. 4 simplified description of a different design of the invention,

FIG. 5 a development of the invention with a disentangling plate in theform of a flexible diaphragm,

FIG. 6 a bin for designs indicated in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 perspective of a known vibrating helical conveyor,

FIG. 8 simplified sectional view of a design of the invention in whichthe lines of intersection are not completely shown, so as to give aclearer view,

FIG. 9 simplified sectional view of a different type of design of theinvention in which again the lines of intersection are not completelyshown, so to give a clearer view, and

FIG. 10 perspective of a known helix equipped with alignment aids.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the lateral view of disentangling plate 1 which, forexample, has a rectangular surface. The disentangling plate 1 is drivenpneumatically by a piston vibrator 2. The piston-type vibrator 2 ismounted on a base plate 6. A spring 5 and a guideway 3 are situatedbetween the base plate 6 and the disentangling plate 1. The pistonvibrator 2 drives the disentangling plate 1 in such a way thatreciprocal movements in vertical direction 12 are effected. The spring 5ensures that these movements are alternately checked or supported, sothat the disentangling plate preferably effects harmonic verticaloscillations. The pile 7 (not shown in FIG. 1, see FIG. 2) on thedisentangling plate 1 is constantly subjected to a lifting/impactprocess, thus enabling the individual components to become isolated fromthe pile. The disentangled components are subjected to a higher impactcoefficient than the pile, and they fall off the disentangling plate 1.

As demonstrated in FIG. 1, vertically arranged pins or nails 4 may befitted to the disentangling plate 1. The nails 4 on the disentanglingplate 1 prevent horizontal movement of the stored pile. Individualcomponents easily pass through the retainer pins. There is sufficientspace around the retainer pin area, thus enabling the isolating processof components in all directions.

The variations of pressure in the pneumatic drive enables disentanglingof items or processing components with varying hook shapes. Therefore,the size and volume of components have a negligible influence on thedisentangling behavior. Owing to the open design, interferences arequite unlikely and can easily be remedied. The device may be fitted witha suitable control, e.g., a foot switch not included in the drawing; itmay, as a handling support, supply an assembly point with isolatedcomponents or items.

The device shown in FIG. 2 has a sloped disentangling plate 1 and isfitted with guide rods 8. A conveyance system 9, e.g., a simple conveyorbelt, is attached to the sloped side of the disentangling device 1.Again, the sloped disentangling plate is fitted with pins 4, so that thepile of entangled components is prevented from slipping. The pneumaticpiston-type vibrator 2 effects reciprocal motions in vertical direction12 of the disentangling plate 1, whereby the disentangling plate 1having suitable outlets is guided by means of guide rods 8. Due to thesuccession of vertical accelerations (lifting the pile from thedisentangling plate 1) and impact (falling back onto the disentanglingplate 1), the pile 7 is dissolved. Until the entire pile 7 has beendissolved, it is retained in position by the pins 4. Individualcomponents may slip out from between the pins 4 and the disentanglingzone. Components can slip out easily due to the slight sloping positionof the disentangling plate 1 which, during vertical lift, placescomponents in the emergent direction. The isolated components drop ontothe conveyor belt 9 which feeds them to the assembly point.

If the disentangling plate 1--as shown in FIG. 1--is arranged in ahorizontal position, it is advantageous to create a current of air abovethe disentangling plate 1. Thus, the isolated components are able todrop more easily.

The essential spring 5 shown in FIG. 1 may also be arranged on bothsides of the disentangling plate 1, i.e., above and beneath the plate.

The arrangement of pins or nails 4 on the disentangling plate 1 isparticularly well illustrated in FIG. 3. A device equipped with thistype of disentangling plate 1 will hereinafter be termed "nail boarddisentangler." To simplify matters, the pneumatic piston-type vibrator 2is not included in FIG. 3. In order to create a definite zone ofemergence for the isolated components, the disentangling plate 1, withthe exception of one border, is fitted with a side panel 10.

FIG. 4 shows a bin 11 adjacent to the disentangling plate 1 which, withthe exception of the sides adjacent to the disentangling plate 1, on allsides is enclosed by a wall, but is open at the top. Thus, the bin 11forms a storage area for the pile 7. The bin 11 is mounted on a linearconveyor 14, so that the pile 7 contained within the geometricboundaries cyclically is advanced from the bin 11 toward thedisentangling plate 1. The linear conveyor 14 feeds an approximatelyconstant number of components per cycle into the disentangling process.Therefore, the disentangling process is almost stationary. The deviceshown in FIG. 4 thus has a defined disentangling zone. The content ofthe bin is not moved during disentangling; only a small section of thepile is admitted with disentangling movement. By means of an appropriatecontrol of the linear conveyor 14, it is possible to advance a definednumber of components into the disentangling zone. The same result mayalso be obtained with a bin 11, using a conveyor belt 16 withcontrollable speed and operating cycle. It is particularly advantageousthat the form of the pile can be influenced by adjustable (compare witharrow 17) side panels 15 of the bin 11, in order to feed per cycle oftime a desired quantity of components to the disentangling plate 1. Theside panels are arranged vertically and are slidable transversely in thedirection of conveyance. The conveyor belt forms the bottom of the bin,as is illustrated in FIG. 6.

Similarly, as in FIGS. 1 and 2 the disentangling plate 1 in FIG. 4 isdriven by means of pneumatic piston-type vibrator 2 combined with thesprings 5. The described sinusoidal oscillation is to indicate that thedisentangling plate 1 effects harmonic vertical oscillations 12. Thedisentangling plate can be fitted with two panels (not illustrated)running parallel to the plane, so that a defined outlet exists for thedisentangled components. The disentangled components drop onto aconveyance system 9, wherefrom they may be fed to an assembly point.

Owing to the design described in FIG. 4, two defined separate areas arecreated, i.e., the storage zone and the disentangling zone. Thisseparation has several advantages. Thus, the emergence of components(quantity of isolated components per time unit) is independent from thecontents of the bin. In contrast to other known devices, thedisentangling zone is well defined and the emergence of components iscontrollable. All isolated components may be discharged, and re-tanglingis virtually impossible. Furthermore, the processing components ortangled items are only admitted into the disentangling zone through themotive force, thus preventing faults and mechanical deformations.Finally, the other advantage is that the storage quantity is relativelyunlimited, whereas known devices can only store a limited amount ofcomponents because, owing to the fact that storage zone anddisentangling zone are not separated from one another, all componentshave to be moved simultaneously. In this invention, however, only onedefined part section of the pile is moved, whereas the remainder of thepile remains stationary.

The above-mentioned areas of operation can be defined as follows.Storage zone: an area in which a quantity of component is kept readilyavailable, which directly determines the refill time. Furthermore, thestorage zone fulfills the function of conveying the pile into thedisentangling zone. Disentangling zone: an area in which the tangledpile is given motive force, in order to create a random motion withinthe pile which enables the individual components to become isolated fromthe pile. FIG. 4 shows the pneumatic piston-type vibrator 2 which servesto produce the motive force. However, it is also possible to introduceother forces in cooperation with the field of earth (gravitationalpower) into the pile 7. The vertical oscillation of the disentanglingplate 1 can, for example, achieve accelerations in the pile of up to 4g.

The partitioning into storage zone, disentangling zone and, if theoccasion arises, into conveyance zone as illustrated in FIG. 4, createsa device similar in principle to modular construction or system. Theindividual areas are very easily adaptable to different types of tangledcomponents. When dealing with relatively large components,correspondingly larger bins 11 and a correspondingly largerdisentangling plate 1 can be provided. Conversely, when dealing withrelatively small components, bins 11 and disentangling plates 1 can beexchanged for correspondingly smaller types. In contrast to the knowndevices, great flexibility can be attained with regard to components oritems that are to be isolated. Further adaptability to components thatare to be isolated can be attained by controlling the vertical lift ofthe vertical oscillations 12, as well as controlling the frequency ofthe vertical movement. Finally, the advance cycle (period ofconveyance/interval) of the linear conveyor 14 for the bin 11 can alsobe adjusted.

The design illustrated in FIG. 5 differs from that in FIG. 4 insofar asthe disentangling plate is designed in the form of a flexible diaphragm12'. A striking device 13 is disposed underneath the diaphragm, so thatvertical reciprocal movements at the diaphragm 12' are also created. Asmentioned above, the components of the pile are isolated by thereciprocal movement in vertical direction and conveyed by a conveyancesystem. The two springs 5 ensure that the diaphragm, when in position ofrest, is stretched tightly. In any other respect, the devicesillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 are of an identical design, particularly asthe storage and disentangling zones are partitioned. The above-mentionedadvantages, therefore, are also applicable to the device illustrated inFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a known vibrating helical conveyor 21 whose oscillatingcask 20 is driven by a vibratory drive 22. The vibratory drive 22consists of an electro-magnet 22a and spring elements 22b. Owing to theforce of the vibratory drive 22, the components at the bottom of theoscillating cask 20 are moved toward the inside wall of the oscillatingcask 20 from where they are conveyed alongside a path of conveyance,formed by a rising helix 23, to an outlet 19 at the top of theoscillating cask. The components thus emerge from the outlet 19 incontinuous sequence, as is described in the above-mentioned technicalliterature.

According to the invention, the device makes use of the known advantagesof a vibrating helical conveyor, and makes it possible that theseadvantages take effect in the pile of tangled components. A sectionalview of the design in FIG. 8 shows that the inner part of theoscillating bottom of a vibrating helical conveyor 21 is virtuallyreplaced by a disentangling plate 1. The disentangling plate 1 excitesthe vibratory device 2, effecting the vertical reciprocal motion withouttouching the oscillating cask 20 or the helix 23 of the oscillatingcask. An almost harmonic oscillation is achieved by means of the springs5 provided between the disentangling plate 1 and the base plate 6. Asalready described in the above, the components entangled in the pile 7are isolated owing to the vertical oscillations, and the isolatedcomponents then drop from the disentangling plate 1.

The isolated components are conveyed from the disentangling plate 1,which is arranged slightly above the initial oscillating bottom, into areceiving area 24 which has remained as part of the oscillating bottomand which is limited by boundaries 28 on the side near the center of theoscillating cask. From this receiving area 24 a rising helix 23 extendsto the upper part of the oscillating cask 20 and, owing to the force ofthe drive 22 of the vibrating helical conveyor 21, the componentsisolated by the disentangling plate 1 are conveyed alongside the helix23. The vibratory drive 22 is separated from the vibrating device 2. Theseparation of both systems enables perfect movements of thedisentangling plate 1 and the oscillating cask 20.

The disentangling plate 1 is designed in such a way that, at its highestelevation, it is roof-shaped, thus favoring the isolation of thecomponents contained in the pile 7. In order to enable the rising helix23 to pass trouble-free alongside the inner wall of the oscillating cask20, the disentangling plate 1 is fitted with a suitable recess (notshown) where it is level with the rising helix 23, which is adapted tothe helix's 23 course. Furthermore, the outer edge of the disentanglingplate 1 is fitted with a vertically upright side panel (not shown)preventing isolated components to drop from the disentangling plate 1onto the helix 23.

As mentioned above, in many cases it is desirous to remove the isolatedcomponents at the outlet 19 of the vibrating helical conveyor 21 inaccordance with a defined alignment. For this purpose, generally knownalignment aids 25, 26 (compare with FIG. 10) are fitted to the helix 11,so that components, which do not reach the alignment aids 25, 26 in agiven position, are pushed down by the helix. So as to ensure that thepushed down components reach the disentangling plate 1, a recirculatingfunnel 27, as shown in FIG. 8, is provided underneath the helical pathcontaining the alignment aids, which is fitted to the helix 23 above themount 29. The recirculating funnel 27 has an inlet situated above thedisentangling plate 1, through which the components pushed down by thehelix 23 pass onto the disentangling plate 1, so as to prevent them fromfalling onto the helical paths underneath the recirculating funnel 27.

In order to enable such a recirculation, the oscillating cask 20illustrated in FIG. 3 has a conical design so that the components pusheddown by alignment aids from a higher helical path drop onto thedisentangling plate 1 and not onto the helical paths underneath. Theupper inlet of the oscillating cask 20 is chosen in such a way that thecomponents entangled in the pile 7 can easily be brought onto thedisentangling plate 1 which is equipped with vertically arranged nails 4so as to enhance the disentangling process. Deviating from the designillustrated in FIG. 8, the one in FIG. 9 provides only one spring 5coupled to the vibrating device 2 as well as to the guideway 3, thusensuring reciprocal motion in vertical direction. Furthermore, it ispractical to arrange the vibrating device 2 for the disentangling plate1 as well as the vibratory drive 22 for the oscillating cask 20 on acommon base plate 6.

According to this invention, the width of the receiving area 24, towhich the isolated components are conveyed from the disentangling plate1, is of some significance. If the width is too small and manyrelatively large entangled components drop onto the surface 24, theremay be a risk that these already isolated components, which aresubjected to the movements of the oscillating cask 20, become retangledand that, therefore, an undesirable retangling process takes place. Sucha retanglement can be expected, particularly when the number of itemsdropping from the disentangling plate 1 onto the receiving area 24 is inexcess of those conveyed alongside the helix to the top of theoscillating cask 20. It is thus considered advantageous that the widthof the receiving area 24, determined by the inner wall of theoscillating cask 20 and the boundary 28, is adjustable depending on thecomponents that are to be disentangled.

FIG. 10 illustrates the effect of the known alignment aids 25 and 26. Inthe illustrated example, rectangular components 30 are conveyedalongside the helical path 23. These rectangular components 30 are to bealigned in such a way that they can be removed longitudinally. The firstalignment aid 25 arranged alongside the path of conveyance causes thatonly non-upright components 30 may pass the alignment aid 25 in thedirection of arrow A. As indicated by arrow B, the upright componentsare pushed down by the helix 23. Finally, the adjoining alignment aid 26forcibly causes those components 30, which have not yet been erected, tobe erected in the desired position. The example merely is intended toillustrate the principle of alignment aids. Obviously, depending on thegeometric shape of the components and the desired alignment, they may bedesigned in a variety of ways. A decisive factor is that, according tothe invention, with this device those components, which are pushed downfrom the helix 11 by means of the alignment aids, are returned to thedisentangling plate 1 which virtually forms the bottom of theoscillating cask 20 of a vibrating helical conveyor 21.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for disentangling components from acluster of entangled components including a disentangling plate, andvibrator means coupled to drive said plate and formed to impartreciprocal movement to said plate, wherein the improvement in saiddevice comprises:said plate being an imperforate, continuous plateformed for support of a bottom side of said cluster of componentsdirectly in contact with said plate during reciprocal movement thereof;a plurality of pins extending vertically from an upwardly facing side ofsaid plate for support of said cluster of entangled components againstmovement in a horizontally extending direction, said pins beingrelatively spaced apart at a distance permitting support of said bottomside of said cluster directly on said plate and permitting movement ofdisentangled components in a horizontally extending direction along saidplate; guideway means formed for guided vertical reciprocation of saidplate; said vibrator means being formed for vertical reciprocal movementof said plate to produce alternate vertical lifting and impacting ofsaid cluster against said plate; and said vibrator means being furtherformed to enable controlled change of the amplitude and frequency ofsaid vertical reciprocal movement to change the rate and magnitude oflifting and impacting of said cluster against said plate.
 2. A devicefor disentangling entangled components including a disentangling plateformed for receipt and support of entangled components directly thereonover substantially the entire area thereof, and vibrator means coupledto drive said plate and formed to impart vertical reciprocal movement tosaid plate, said vibrator means being further formed to enablecontrolled change of the vertical amplitude and the frequency of saidreciprocal movement, wherein improvement in said device comprises:saidplate is formed as a flexible diaphragm, and said vibrator means isformed as a striking device disposed beneath said diaphragm forengagement and vertical displacement of said diaphragm.
 3. The componentdisentangling device as defined in claim 2, andspring means coupled tosaid diaphragm and formed to apply a tension force to said diaphragm. 4.A device for disentangling entangled components including adisentangling plate formed for receipt and support of entangledcomponents directly thereon over substantially the entire area thereof,vibrator means coupled to drive said plate and formed to impart verticalreciprocal movement to said plate, said vibrator means being furtherformed to enable controlled change of the vertical amplitude and thefrequency of said reciprocal movement, and vibrating helical conveyorhaving a peripheral cask formed with a central opening therein, saidhelical conveyor being positioned around said plate, said helicalconveyor and said plate being formed for vibration independently of eachother, wherein the improvement comprises:said peripheral cask beingformed with an upwardly extending, uninterrupted, helical, conveyingpath structure on an inner wall thereof, said path structure having areceiving area positioned below said plate for discharge of disentangledparts from said plate onto said receiving area, said path structurefurther being formed to extend from said receiving area upwardly beyondsaid plate, and one of said plate and said path structure being formedto prevent passage of disentangled elements from said plate to said pathstructure at the level of said plate.
 5. The component disentanglingdevice as defined in claim 4, wherein,said path structure further isformed with component alignment means formed to align disentangledcomponents in a predetermined orientation on said path structure, saidpath structure being further formed with recirculation means formed toreturn disentangled components to said plate in the event that they arenot aligned by said alignment means.
 6. The component disentanglingdevice as defined in claim 5 wherein,said peripheral cask is formed withan inwardly tapering wall for discharge of disentangled components ontosaid plate upon failure of said alignment means to align saiddisentangled components.
 7. The component disentangling device asdefined in claim 5 wherein,said recirculation means includes funnelmeans formed and positioned to receive disentangled components from saidpath structure upon failure of said alignment means to align saiddisentangled components and formed to discharge disentangled componentsonto said plate.
 8. The component disentangling device as defined inclaim 4 wherein,said plate is formed with a roof-shaped tapered conicalupper surface.
 9. The component disentangling device as defined in claim4 wherein,a plurality of relatively spaced apart pins extending from theupwardly facing surface of said plate to retain entangled components onsaid plate.
 10. The component disentangling device as defined in claim 4wherein,said path structure at said receiving area is formed with anupwardly extending border flange partially defining said receiving area.